Report: Celtics interested in Suns forward P.J. Tucker

By Troy Tauscher | February 19, 2017 at 1:28 pmUPDATED: February 20, 2017 at 4:56 pm

Phoenix Suns' P.J. Tucker gestures after being called for a foul during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

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Add the Boston Celtics to the list of teams with a reported interest in Suns forward P.J. Tucker, per Sean Deveney of Sporting News.

In a post primarily about the Celtics’ interest in Bulls guard Jimmy Butler, Deveney mentioned that the Celtics may not need to swing a huge trade to challenge the injured Cleveland Cavaliers.

They can do that without Butler, instead trying to make a minor move for a contributor like Suns forward P.J. Tucker. Boston has expressed deep interest in Tucker ahead of the deadline, a source said. Get Tucker, and the Celtics can add depth without giving up on a potential No. 1 pick. And there is cap space available this summer to sign a player in free agency. Without trading for Butler, Boston could keep the pick and get a name player this summer.

Tucker is an amiable 31-year-old veteran who would fit well in Boston’s locker room.

The Suns’ price for Tucker has been a first-round selection, but that price might drop ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline. The 31-year-old forward is averaging seven points, six rebounds amd 1.5 steals in 28.5 minutes per game. He is in the final year of a three-year deal with Phoenix and is making about $5.5 million this season.

Whether the Celtics try to trade for a superstar like Butler or a rotation player like Tucker, the veteran forward from Texas will be a name to watch as the Thursday deadline approaches.